The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] George Massie Gividen, Jr. (ASN: 0-64146), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Student Detachment, Headquarters THIRD Army, Fort McPherson Georgia, with station at Vanderbilt University, Tennessee, on 23 July 1956. While fishing from the bank of the Cumberland River, Captain Gividen observed a civilian being thrown from lurching motorboat. The man was struck by the unoccupied, circling boat, and injured to the extent that further swimming was rendered impossible, and remaining afloat was difficult. The man shouted for aid, and Captain Gividen, a leg amputee, unhesitatingly, at great personal hazard entered the river and swam to the rescue of the helpless man. Observing that the man was still in danger of being struck again by the circling boat, Captain Gividen, at risk of being struck himself and mutilated by the propeller, swam into the approximate path of the boat to thrust a floating limb into the path of a speeding vessel. This action stopped the careening boat. He then towed the helpless man to shore. Captain Gividen’s quick thinking, prompt and courageous actions at the threat of his own life, saved the man from further mutilation and probably from drowning, reflecting great credit on himself and military service.